Time signaling device



Feb. 18, 1941.

A. s. RAETTIG 2,232,139

TIME SIGNALING DEVICE I INVENTOR ADELEJPAETT/G v ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 18, 1941 PATENT OFFICE TIME SIGNALING DEVICE Adele S. Raettig, Hoboken, N. J.

Application May 25, 1938, Serial No. 209,948

3 Claims.

The invention relates. to timing devices and the like and more particularly to a so-called memograph or reminder clock capable of giving signals at predetermined intervals to indicate the expiration of a selected time period.

The main object of the invention is to combine with a clock or like time movement electric means including a bell or like signal and adjustable contacts whereby the circuit may be closed at a given time to issue the desired signal.

Another object is to devise novel contact means that are adjustable or exchangeable whereby the interval between the issuance of the successive signals may be regulated to meet the requirements.

The invention and the advantages inherent therein will be better understood from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing which illustrates a preferred embodiment of the inventive concept together with a possible modification thereof.

It will be understood, however, that the invention is not restricted to this exact disclosure, but is susceptible of such changes and modifications which are within the scope or purview of the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the face of a clock outlining the casing in which it is mounted in dotted lines.

Figure 2 is a section along the line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a plan view similar to Figure 1 of a modification.

Figure 4 is a section along the line 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the second arm shown in Figure 3 having the adjustable contact mounted thereon.

Figure 6 is a vertical section of the contact.

Throughout the drawing, the same reference characters indicate the same or analogous parts.

The device according to the invention is designed primarily to indicate the expiration of time allowed for a certain play or move in a game,

particularly chess.

Referring in detail to Figure I!) designates a conventional clock dial which may be mounted in any suitable manner in the casing shown in dotted lines and which latter forms no part of the invention.

The hour hand II, the

within the casing.

The second hand l3 should be made of conductive material for the reason which will hereinafter be explained.

An insulating ring 14 is disposed concentric with the dial in and may be mounted in any suitable manner within the clock casing.

Inside the ring l4, and insulated thereby from the dial and frame of the clock, is mounted the contact ring 15 which is provided with a series of contacts i6 which in Figure l are shown spaced from one another the distance corresponding to 10 seconds, ten minutes or two hours.

The alarm circuit comprises a battery I! and a bell or like alarm device l8. One terminal of the wire comprising the circuit is attached to the contact ring [5. The other terminal is connected with the second hand I3, which latter is electrically insulated from the dial and framework of the clock so as to prevent short circuiting. The current may be switched on and oil by means of a snap switch l9 inserted in the circuit.

The second hand I3 is provided with a ball contact which may be pivoted thereto to reduce the friction produced by the contact with the elements I6. It will be understood that the circuit is closed each time the ball 20 comes in contact with the elements [6 and which results in actuation of the bell.

The contacts [6 are raised suificiently above the dial surface to barely contact the ball 20.

In view of the simple mounting of the contact ring I5 it may easily be exchanged for other rings having contact elements 16 spaced at difierent intervals. In this manner the device may be regulated to give a signal at any feasible interval desired.

In the modification illustrated in Figure 3, the time signal is controlled by a rotatable disc 2| of insulating material which is mounted on the second arm 22. The disc 2| is provided with a contact plate 23 which is countersunk in and fastened to the periphery of the disc by means of screw 21 engaging the slot 24.

Contact between the plate 23 and the second arm 22 is established by the ball 25 riding on the arm in the slot 24 and held resiliently thereagainst by the spring 26 which abuts at its opposite end against the screw 24.

The alarm circuit which also in this case comprises the battery l'! and a hell or similar alarm device 18 as well as a switch l9, has one terminal attached to the dial l2 which in this modification is made of a conductive substance and the other terminal connected to the second arm 22. The latter is insulated from the dial by means of the bushing 30. The circuit will thus be closed at each revolution of the disc 2| or each time the plate 23 comes in contact with the dial I9. Although no hour hand or minute hand is shown in Figure 3, it will be understood that such may be provided if they are raised above the periphery of the disc 2 l.

The time interval at which the alarm is given is regulated by adjusting the disc 23 longitudinally on the arm 22. For this purpose pin holes 28 are provided and each pair spaced from the other a distance corresponding to the time interval at which the alarm is to be given. This space is, of course, calibrated according to the size of the dial, as is also the diameter of the disc 21. The latter is held in position on the arm 22 between the pin holes of each pair by means of pins 29 which may be easily removed.

It will also be understood that the pin holes may be numbered to indicate the respective time intervals.

From the foregoing it will be seen that various periods of time for giving the alarm may be determined in advance of the proper setting of the disc 2| on the arm 22.

Should it be desired to further vary the time interval at which the alarm is given, the disc 2| may be interchanged for similar discs of greater or lesser diameter. Should a disc of smaller diameter than disc 2! be provided, the intervals of sounding of the alarm would be shorter than the intervals obtained with disc 2| on a like adjustment; and, thusly, if a disc of greater diameter than the disc 2| be provided,

the intervals between the sounding of the alarm on a like adjustment on the arm 22 would be reater.

What is claimed is:

l. A periodic switch for clocks and the like comprising the combination with an electrically energized dial plate, a radial arm rotatable about said dial plate to indicate the lapse of time, said arm normally being insulated from said dial, and a rotatable contact member on said arm engaging said dial plate for periodically closing the circuit to an alarm.

2. A periodic switch for clocks and the like comprising the combination with an electrically energized dial plate, a radial arm rotatable about said dial plate to indicate the lapse of time, said arm normally being insulated from said dial, and a rotatable contact member on said arm engaging said dial plate for periodically closing the circuit to an alarm, said contact member being adjustable longitudinally of said arm to regulate the interval between the circuit closings.

3. A periodic switch for clocks and the like comprising the combination with an electrically energized dial plate, a radial arm rotatable about said dial plate to indicate the lapse of time, said arm normally being insulated from said dial, and a rotatable member of insulated material on said arm engaging said dial plate, contact means on said rotatable member for periodically closing the circuit to an alarm.

ADELE S. RAETTIG. 

